The Truth About the Telegraph: Short Film

The Overland Telegraph Line is hailed as a technological feat that connected Australia to the rest of the world, but for the many Aboriginal nations across its 3,000 kilometre span, including the Kaytetye and Warumungu people, it's a different story— one of strength and survival in the face of colonial violence.

Hailed as a triumph of technology, the Overland Telegraph Line was the frontier of British colonisation on the Aboriginal nations upon which it was built. Through firsthand accounts passed down through the generations this film explores the impacts of the Telegraph Line on two neighbouring Aboriginal nations, the Kaytetye and Waramungu people of Central Australia. From initial frontier violence through to the forced removal of children, this film shows that despite the violence of colonisation Aboriginal people have stayed strong and resilient in their understanding of the truth about the history of colonisation on their land.

Tommy “Walkabout” Jangala (Kaytetye)

Carol Ngalyerre Thompson (Kaytetye)

Ross Jakamarra Williams (Warumungu)

Joseph Jungarayi Williams (Warumungu)

Director, Producer and Writer: Kieran Mpetyane Satour (Gurindji/Malngin, Pertame Arrernte & Worimi)

Executive Producer: Ramona Telecican

Associate Producers: Jamie Lee Bolger (Noonuccal) and Maya Ghattas Impact Producer: Simone Mugavin

Director of Photography: Ryan Andrew Lee

Editor and Colourist: Sean McDermott

Original Music and Sound Design: Jai Pyne

Graphics: Rah Dakota

Translations: Phillip Janima (Kaytetye) Linguist (Kaytetye): Professor Myfany Turpin

Song: Arelpe, performed by Tommy “Walkabout” Jungala

In loving memory of Carol Ngalyerre Thompson.

A strong advocate and educator of the truth.

Special thanks to the Kaytetye and Warumungu people and families who shared their stories for this film: Phillip Janima, Valentine Shaw and the Shaw family.

We extend our thanks to those who shared their family history for this project Elizabeth Napaljarri Katakarinja (Western Arrernte and Warlpiri), Marie Elena Ellis (Arrernte and Warlpiri) and Warren H Williams (Western Arrernte, Central Arrernte and Warumungu).

And give thanks to the people who contributed to the research for this project: Professor Genevieve Bell, Maureen Nampijinpa O’Keefe (Kaytetye and Warlpiri), Olivia Nigro, Sammy Wilson (Yankunytjatjara), Serena Barton, Shaun Angeles (Penangke, Kungarakany, and Arrernte), Theresa Penangke Alice (Arrernte), Tisha Perrurle Carter (Anmatjere) and the mob at Running Water Community Press.

Filmed on the traditional lands of the Kaytetye and Warumungu Nations.

Always was, always will be.

Hear Vanessa Morris, host of Banksia on Triple R, moderate a powerful conversation with some of the creators behind The Truth About the Telegraph, including the film's director Kieran Satour and proud Kaytetye Elder, storyteller, educator, and community leader, Valentine Shaw.

The Truth About the Telegraph was commissioned by NCM and supported by Telstra.